FHWA 27-08
Friday, December 19, 2008
Contact: Nancy Singer
Tel.: (202) 366-0660
U.S. Department of Transportation Signs Agreement with Kansas City Southern
Railway to Relieve Freight Congestion at Laredo Border
WASHINGTON – An alternate route for freight rail traffic to and from the United
States and Mexico to improve cross-border goods movement is one step closer to
reality thanks to an agreement signed this week by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and Kansas City Southern Railway, U.S. Transportation Secretary
Mary E. Peters announced today.
The East Loop Bypass project proposes a new rail bridge east of Laredo, Texas,
continuing across the border and south into Mexico.
"Border congestion creates an unnecessary obstacle to efficient trade with our
international partners. Providing alternative routes for freight transport is
good for the economy and the American people,” Secretary Peters said.
The project is part of the Department’s Transportation Border Congestion Relief
Program designed to facilitate and accelerate transportation-related capacity
and operational improvements at border crossings. Other projects include the
Otay Mesa East Port of Entry project and the Cascade Gateway Expanded
Cross-border Advanced Traveler Information System project in Blaine, Washington.
The new railroad bridge and East Loop Bypass project would improve freight
movement dramatically in the region by increasing rail transport capacity at the
Laredo gateway and diverting freight vehicular traffic onto rail and off
congested roads. The project also would enhance safety by eliminating numerous
highway-rail grade crossings.
“This project is a great example of a public-private partnership that will
create more opportunity for America’s businesses while simultaneously improving
safety,” said Federal Highway Administrator Tom Madison.
Secretary Peters also added that as part of the congestion relief program, the
project would receive priority access to many of the Department’s assistance
programs, including loans and other innovative financing mechanisms.
###